Teen turns attention to Open after landmark victory

GULLANE, Scotland — Jordan Spieth has a problem that would be a major irritation to most teenagers. His cellphone keeps cutting out since he arrived in Scotland.

The Associated Press

GULLANE, Scotland — Jordan Spieth has a problem that would be a major irritation to most teenagers. His cellphone keeps cutting out since he arrived in Scotland.

"Honestly, my service plan is not working too hot over here," Spieth said Tuesday, strolling slowly toward the lunch tent at Muirfield.

But Spieth isn't like most teens. This past weekend, the 19-year-old from Texas became the youngest PGA Tour winner in 82 years. Within hours, he was on a charter flight across the Atlantic, where he'll play in his first British Open beginning Thursday. And, thanks to that spotty phone service, he hasn't been able to spend too much time dwelling on his grueling, landmark victory in the John Deere Classic.

That's not a bad thing, either.

"It's interesting not being able to watch any of it, to not be able to see some of the responses I would normally want to see afterward," Spieth said. "I can refocus, think of it as just another week. I can reflect on (the John Deere win) more after this week. But today, I had to turn my attention here because it's one of the biggest weeks of the year."

Spieth turned pro after just one season at the University of Texas, intent on earning his Tour card even though he didn't have status on any circuit. His agent promised to line up at least seven events through exemptions, perhaps enough to earn a few playing chances and give him a realistic shot at earning his card for 2014.

Instead, Spieth has already played in 16 tournaments, finishing in the top 10 five times before his breakthrough victory.

The most immediate benefit was earning a spot at Muirfield. But there's all sorts of perks that came along with the win, including a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, a spot in next year's Masters, and a chance to play in the season-ending FedEx Cup playoff after he soared to No. 11 in the standings.

"I never would have expected this at the start of the year," Spieth said, still sounding as though it hasn't sunk in just yet. "I just wanted to get my Tour card for next year. To play in the Tour Championship would be unbelievable, to be one of those 30 guys.